County v Leeds (Oh No…)

County return to EP after our Boxing Day hammering at MK Franchise, equalling our worst ever run of form – under Carlton Palmer in 2002.

The game’s been in doubt for a week, with a pitch inspection planned for 8.30am tomorrow morning to check over the surface. Fans and groundstaff have been working all week with hot air blowers and spades and shovels to clear the pitch and terraces of ice and snow, so it looks as if the game will go ahead.

Just one thing…has there been anything more certain of a Leeds win tomorrow? I’m so convinced that we’ll get leathered that I’m actually starting to believe we can win (I know what I mean any way!)

Vital Quotes:

Simon Grayson: “We`ve got a good squad and there are a number of players who are wanting to get into that 18.’

“I would expect there to be a couple of fresh faces at Stockport, but at the sime time, with the Manchester United game coming up, no one particularly wants to be left out.”

County Team News:

Carl Baker is almost certainly leaving for Coventry when the transfer window opens, and there are rumours that Owain fon Williams has agreed a deal with an unnamed Championship club, so tomorrow will be their farewell appearances for the Hatters.

Liam Bridcutt is a doubt after he returned to Chelsea for treatment on an ankle injury, and Matty McNeil should continue in the side at centre-back.

Player to watch: Carl Baker

IF Baker plays (who knows, we may not want to risk him an injury before his move to Coventry), it’ll almost certainly be his last appearance in a County shirt and he’ll be fired up to give us a good send-off. May be the only saving grace of us taking a battering tomorrow.

Leeds Utd Team News:

Leeds captain Richard Naylor could miss out after being taken off with an injury against Hartlepool meaning Lubo Michalik could replace him in defence.

Andrew Hughes is doubtful after picking up a knock in the Boxing Day win, in which striker Jermaine Beckford scored two and won back the Leeds fans after storming off the pitch and refusing to shake manager Simon Grayson’s hand after being substituted in the previous game.

Player to watch: Jermaine Beckford

Amongst the leading scorers of League One, and a massive threat for our inexperienced defence. If the rumours are true that Michael Raynes are on his way with Scunthorpe interested, the County skipper will want to ensure that his last act for the club is to stop Beckford.

Match Odds

County – 6/1

Draw – 10/3

Leeds – 1/3

Match Prediction:

5/6-0 Leeds I’m afraid. Tomorrow could be a real embarrassment.

Next Fixtures:

Bristol Rovers v COUNTY

Saturday 9th January ’09

The Memorial Stadium

League One